Re: [d@DCC] Pirating is Illegal! [Was: Movie copyright duration]

From: Jonathan Addleman <jonathan.addleman _-at-_ mail.mcgill.ca>
To: "General Copyright Discussions (questions, organizing, etc)" <discuss (at) list.digital-copyright.ca>
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:43:18 -0400
References: <99a6c38f0707221414q6d3b0a74te542ecc77278f44e@mail.gmail.com>

Scott Elcomb wrote:
> Earlier today, my daughter put on one of her favorite movies, "Heidi."
[...]
> The original movie (b&w) was produced in 1937...
> 
> Could anyone tell me if can I legally "copy" this movie?  (I'm not
> expecting responses from lawyers, but I'd really enjoy your opinions!)

Actually, I think this *might* be a clear case! (imagine that!)

(I'm referring to http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html to check
this out)
Copyright in the States before 1976 lasted for 28 years (with
registration) with a chance to renew for 28 more. So assuming they
extended the copyright as long as they could, it would have expired in
1937+28+28 = 1993.

Looks to me like it's public domain! Of course, any extra features on
the DVD might still be protected. No idea if the colourized version
would be considered a creative derivative work deserving a new
copyright, though, here in Canada or in the States. Probably it's
another of those grey untested areas.
-- 
Jon-o Addleman - http://www.redowl.ca
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